Wedding Favors and Proper Etiquette

Every bride, at some point, fears making etiquette mistakes at her reception. After all, she wants every little thing to be perfect. In order to avoid making an etiquette mistake, it is best to acquaint yourself with all the wedding traditions. One of these traditions involves the distribution of wedding favors to your guests. Distributing the wedding favors can be tricky, so here are some tips on handling different situations.

Tip #1: Buy the Right Amount

The classic way of handling wedding favors is to have one for each place setting (including those for any children at the reception). It is also important to have a few extras, in case of breakage or unexpected guests. It is better to have too many than too few.



If you budget is tight, you might want to consider giving one favor per couple. This will decrease the number needed and leave you more money for other things. If you go with the one per couple idea, it is best to place the favor between the couple's seats and to have a card with both names on it so they know it is to be shared. It is also a good idea to have favors that have a 'couple' theme such as a photo frame with room for two photos. Remember, though, that children, young adults and those without a date for the reception will each receive individual favors, so keep that in mind when choosing what to offer.

Tip #2: Incorporate the Theme

If you incorporate the favors into the overall theme of the reception, you might want to have a center display with all the favors on a table - either in fancy baskets or with elegant decorations. Place a note on the display requesting that each guest help him or her self to one favor each.

Tip #3: Go for the Cars
Favors can also be put directly in the cars of your guests. The valet can do this for you. Imaging the surprise on your guests' faces when they return to their cars! Just make sure there are enough in each car for all of the passengers.

Tip #4: Make it a Parting Gift
If you are having a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner, then you should have the favors at a table near the exit, with a note thanking the guests and asking them to take one favor each. This way they won't have to carry the favors around with them and possibly forget them when it is time to leave. Keep in mind, however, that this means your favor will not be used during the ceremony or the reception, so choose carefully.

There are many traditions and etiquette do's and don'ts for the ceremony and the reception. Ultimately, though, the wedding belongs to you and your groom, and whatever you choose to do is the right thing for you - it is your day, after all!